4 Answers
4

I think you're compiling java from source, which means you get the latest version, but it's quite difficult to do.
Instead, install ubuntu-restricted-extras, which will install openjdk (an open source version of Java) from the terminal (sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras) or from the Ubuntu Software Centre - It takes quite a while, but it'll install most of the plugins and codecs most people use.

If you are stuck at this step please follow this in order to continue with the procedure:

First: change to the directory on which you have the file by
entering cd Downloads (in case that you have it on the Downloads
folder), otherwise use the path in order to gain access to the
file's folder.

Now drop the command in a terminal using sudo chmod a+x
./jre-6u31-linux-i586.bin

If everything runs fine you will be able to continue with your install guide with no problems.

Note: running commands into local files differs a little from Windows to linux. And you must specify the full path to the file even if you are currently on it.